Tether arrangement for portable electronic device, such as a laptop computer

ABSTRACT

A laptop computer assembly has a belt which is adapted to encircle the waste of a user, a fastener for releasably joining the ends of hte belt togetehr around the user and two tethers running from the belt to the laptop computer. Lockable length adjusters are provided for the tethers.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No. 10/277,509 filed22 Oct. 2002 (now U.S. Pat. _______) and based upon provisionalapplication 60/331,092 filed 22 Oct. 2001.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention pertains to electronic devices that can be used on thelap of a seated user, such as a laptop computer, and more particularlyto maintaining such devices in a secure and stable condition while onthe lap, and to preventing the devices from falling to the floor.

BACKGROUND DISCUSSION OF PRIOR ART

Inventors of relevant prior art have pointed to, and attempted toremedy, practical problems involved in the use of the laptop computer.For example, it has been previously noted that when a laptop computer isbeing used while on the lap it is at risk of slipping off the lap andfalling onto the floor, being damaged as a result (e.g., Bourque, U.S.Pat. No. 5,667,114, contains a discussion of this problem; seeespecially paragraph 4 of Bourgue's Background section). The currentinvention also serves to remedy practical problems associated with useof the laptop computer, as well as other electronic devices that can beused on the lap, but it differs from the prior art in important ways.

Scrutiny of prior art reveals seven specific structural and functionalcharacteristics that frequently recur and which typically differ betweenthe prior art and the invention disclosed in this application. Becauseawareness of these differentiating characteristics can help oneappreciate the novelty and non-obviousness of the current invention,these characteristics will be enumerated before specific prior artpatents are discussed. The seven characteristics are:

-   -   1. Prior art is designed to be used primarily, and in many cases        exclusively, in a standing or walking position; in contrast, the        invention being disclosed here is designed to be used by a        person who is working in a seated position. As a result, the        problems addressed by the prior art are frequently not the same        as those addressed by the current invention.    -   2. Prior art generally provides a flat physical surface—such as        a tray, desk, or platform—which the laptop computer rests; in        contrast, the invention being disclosed here allows the laptop        computer to rest directly on the user's lap.    -   3. Prior art generally includes means that transfers the weight        of the laptop computer to the shoulders or other parts of the        body; in contrast, the invention being disclosed here allows the        weight of the laptop to be borne and carried by the lap itself.    -   4. Prior art establishes a predetermined and non-adjustable        working distance between the laptop computer and the user, thus        setting the degree to which the arms must be extended to reach        the keyboard; further, the prior art maintains the computer in a        square position with respect to the body, so that the left and        right arms are extended equally when resting on the keyboard,        but does not allow the user the option of positioning the laptop        off-square (angled). In contrast, the current invention allows        the user to adjust the working distance between the laptop and        the user, as well as to determine whether the laptop will be        square or off-square with respect to the user's is body.    -   5. Prior art immobilizes the laptop against a specific part of        the abdomen or thigh; in contrast, the invention disclosed here        does not immobilize the laptop computer against a part of the        body. In fact, in the invention disclosed here, the laptop can        be easily moved about on the lap. This freedom of movement is        inherent in the notion of a “tether”. The notion of tethering is        essential to our invention and a central point of        differentiation between our invention and the prior art.    -   6. Prior makes use of straps and similar flexible members for        the function of “support”, or to pull the laptop into direct        apposition against the body of the user; in contrast, in the        invention being disclosed here, flexible members function to        tether the laptop in a manner that does not carry the weight of        the laptop while it is in use and does not pull the laptop        against the body.    -   7. Prior art tend to be relatively bulky, heavy, and to have one        or more parts that cannot easily be folded or compressed into a        small space, for transport or storage; in contrast, the        invention disclosed here is small and light, with its        non-compressible parts being very small and thus allowing the        user to more easily fit the invention into a small space.

An awareness of these above seven characteristics can help onedifferentiate the invention disclosed in this application from prior artpatents. These differences are apparent in the following prior artpatents, which are the most relevant uncovered in a careful search:

Cobbs (U.S. Pat. No. 4,715,293) provides a “desk” to support the laptopcomputer, and a rigid support system with shoulder frames to transferthe weight of the laptop to the shoulders of a standing user.

Bourque (U.S. Pat. No. 5,667,114) provides a “platform” that supportsthe laptop computer, as well as shoulder straps that transfer the weightto the shoulders. The dimensions of the platform, which rests directlyagainst the front of the user's body, determines the working distancebetween the user and the laptop computer.

Boyer et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,548), although designed to be used bya seated user and to let the weight of the laptop be carried by the lap,does not tether the laptop computer to the user, but instead provides athick Velcro band that is wrapped around the upper legs; this Velcroband adheres to Velcro pads that are attached to the bottom of thelaptop computer, the result being that the laptop computer “sticks” tothe lap.

Hrusoff et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,225) provides a “tray” that supportsthe laptop computer, and a system of straps that transfers weight fromthe tray to the shoulders.

Myles et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,887,777) provides a shoulder strap thatsupports the weight of the laptop computer, for use in the standingposition.

Sauer et al. (U.S. Pat. No. 5,938,096) provides a platform-like bottompanel that carries the weight of the laptop, for use in the standingposition. Also included are straps to transfer weight from the panel tothe shoulders, and also a waist strap that pulls the laptop against theuser's body.

Piatt (U.S. Pat. No. 6,006,970), for use while standing or walking,provides both a harness and a leg, which extends to the floor, tosupport the weight of the laptop, and a belt mechanism that holds thelaptop immobile in fixed relation to the front of the body.

Svegliato (U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,522) provides a platform-like “flatplanar surface”, which is belted at a fixed distance from the user, foruse with a computer “mouse”.

BACKGROUND PROBLEMS ADDRESSED BY THE INVENTION

When a laptop computer rests on the lap of a seated user, there is atendency for the laptop to slip off the user's lap or to move in otherunwanted and problematic ways. First, there is a tendency for the laptopto move far forward or far to the sides, or between the user's legs,thus falling off the lap and striking the floor. In fact, many laptopsare damaged by this type of fall. Second, there is a tendency for thelaptop computer to slide forward on the lap so that, even withoutfalling off the lap, it is positioned a greater distance from the user'shands, arms, and upper body than is comfortable or ergonomic. Third,there is a tendency for the laptop computer to rotate on the lapsurface, in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, such that thelaptop is not “square” with respect to the user's upper body but insteadrests in such a position that the right arm and left arm must beunequally extended from the body in order to reach the keyboard of thelaptop. These and other untoward movements of the laptop computer can beinduced by gravity or by inadvertent body movements.

To prevent or minimize these untoward movements of the laptop computer,or to correct them once they occur, takes ongoing attention and effortby the user. For example, when a person sits with feet flat on thefloor, the knees may be lower than the thighs and this creates adownward-sloping lap surface, which can cause the laptop to slideforward and fall off the lap. To correct this slope, many users attemptto elevate the knees by raising their heels off the ground, in a mannerthat is awkward and uncomfortable. As another example, concern about thelaptop falling between the legs leads some users to pull the kneestogether into an awkward and uncomfortable position.

Because inadvertent movements of the leg, torso, or virtually any partof the body can cause the laptop to move or fall, the user must remainconstantly vigilant against all body movements, however minor. The useris thus constrained in all physical movements, be they subtle or gross.The user necessarily exists in a condition of subtle vigilance and evenstress and tension, because of concern about what will happen ifattention to the disposition of the laptop is momentarily relaxed.Further, the efforts and postures undertaken to prevent the laptop frommoving or falling produce in the user a state of discomfort. The usermust never stand or stretch without giving careful thought to thedisposition of the computer; a user who stands or stretches carelesslymay eject the laptop onto the floor. The need to carefully attend tothese untoward possibilities distracts the user from work being carriedout on the laptop.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to overcome the aforementionedproblems by providing a tether arrangement that helps retain the laptopcomputer on the lap of a seated user, that prevents the laptop fromfalling to the floor, and that helps stabilize the laptop in acomfortable and ergonomic position.

It is another object of the present invention to allow the laptopcomputer to rest directly on the lap, without the need for a platform orother supporting structure interposed between the user and the laptop,and without the need to transfer the weight of the laptop computer offthe lap and onto the shoulders or other part of the body.

It is an another object of the present invention to provide ergonomiccustomization by allowing the user to easily, rapidly, and convenientlyadjust and change the distance between the laptop computer and the bodyof the user and hence to change the extent to which the arms must beextended to reach the keyboard.

It is an another object of the present invention to allow the user toadjust the position of the laptop so that it is square with respect tothe upper body, thus allowing the extension of the left and right armsto be equal when resting on the keyboard, but also to allow users whodesire it to position the laptop in a non-square position, that is, sothat their left and right arms are unequally extended when resting onthe keyboard.

It is an another object of the present invention to stabilize the laptopon the lap in a manner that does not bind the laptop computer to, orotherwise immobilize the laptop computer against, a specific part of thebody, such as against a specific point on the abdomen or thigh, butwhich instead allows the laptop to be moved on the lap surface, or evenmomentarily lifted off of the lap surface, in whatever manner is desiredby the user.

It is an another object of the present invention to provide such atether arrangement that is small and which adds very little bulk orweight to the computer, and which tends to be easily foldable orotherwise compressible into a small space, thereby allowing forconvenient transport or storage.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a tetherarrangement that can be provided as original equipment with a laptopcomputer especially constructed or modified to cooperate with the tetherarrangement.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a tetherarrangement that can be used with existing laptop computers, includingthose which have previously been sold and are already in use; that is,to provide a tether arrangement that can be “retrofit” onto existingcomputers.

It is another object of the invention to provide such a tetherarrangement that is inexpensive to produce and incorporate with newlaptops and with existing laptops.

Additional objects of the present invention are to provide such a tetherarrangement that is simple to use; that allows the user greater freedomof movement and greater freedom with regard to the placement of thelegs, arms, and hands, and with regard to body positioning and posture;that allows freedom from worry and anxiety over the possibility ofhaving the laptop fall off the lap and therefore allows greater freedomto concentrate on the work being carried out on the laptop; that affordsa general sense of ease in operation of the laptop; and that allows theuser to safely stand or stretch during a break from work without causingthe laptop to fall and strike the floor.

Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent later in this application, especially in the detaileddescriptions of the preferred embodiments.

DEFINITIONS Definition of the Essential Concept: a Tether

The essence of this invention is that it provides a tether. Because ofthe centrality of the concept of a tether, we have included a briefdiscussion to aid in transparency. The American Heritage Dictionary(fourth edition) says a tether is “a. A rope, chain, or similarrestraint for holding an animal in place, allowing a short radius inwhich it can move about. b. A similar ropelike restraint used as asafety measure, especially for young children and astronauts.”Similarly, the Random House Unabridged Dictionary (second edition)defines tether as “A rope, chain, or the like, by which an animal isfastened to a fixed object so as to limit its range of movement.”(Figurative phrases like being at “the end of their tether” are baseddirectly on the literal meaning of the term tether; this phrase means“they can go no further”—as if their tether is already stretched to thelimit.)

To see clearly how a tether works, consider an animal that is tetheredto a fixed object. This animal can move to a certain distance from thefixed object, until the tether is pulled taught. The fully extendedtether thus forms what is, in essence, the radius of a circle, and theanimal is free to roam within that circle but not beyond the circle'sdiameter. If the animal walks out to the diameter of the limitingcircle, and walks along that diameter, the tether, which is the radiusof the circle, sweeps over a pie-wedge-shaped area.

It is an obvious fact, but still important to emphasize, that a tetherdoes not “support” an animal, person, or object that is tethered. Thatis, the tether does not, as part of its normal function, bear weight.That weight is borne by the ground. Thus, the tether restricts movementbut does not bear weight. However, if there is a steep drop within thearea in which the animal can freely roam, and the animal falls into thefissure, the tether will reach its full extent as the animal falls, andwhen the tether becomes taught it will then bare the weight of theanimal. As this example suggests, the only time a tether bares weight isif the tethered animal or object falls from the normal ground level.

More than one tether can be used to restrain the same animal or object.The result of using two tethers is similar to that obtained from asingle tether, except that the domain in which the object is constrainedis not a simple pie-wedge-shaped area, but instead is a more complexshape. The shape will be determined by a many variables, including, forexample, the relative lengths of the two tethers. Mention of atwo-tether system is relevant because in some of the preferredembodiments of the invention disclosed herein, a laptop is attached tothe user by two separate tethers, each of which may originate fromdifferent points on the user and each of which may terminate atdifferent points on the laptop.

A variant of the two-tether arrangement just described is a single, longtether that both originates and terminates on the object beingrestrained, but which is long enough so that some intermediate region ofthe tether can pass around and behind an immobile object. Thisarrangement creates two functional tethers out of a single piece of ropeor other tether material. For example, if both ends of a long piece ofrope are tied to an animal, and an intermediate portion of that rope istossed over a fixed object, such as a post, the animal will effectivelybe tethered to the post by two tethers. As will become clear in thediscussion of preferred embodiments, some embodiments of the currentinvention make use of a single piece of tether material passed behindthe back of the user, with both free ends attached to the laptop.

While a tether often consists of a single piece of material, such as asingle continuous length of cord, it is also possible to construct asingle tether out of several pieces of tether material that areconnected end to end. Thus, a single tether may be either uni-segmentalor multi-segmental in construction. Also, a tether, while generallyattached at its ends, may also be attached at any two intermediatepoints, so long as there is some space between these points. Althoughnot especially convenient, one can even make a tether out of a closedloop of material, such as a cord that has been tied into a closed loop;in this situation, one can form a tether by designating any twospaced-apart points on the loop, connecting one designated point to oneobject and the other designated point to another object.

Lexicon of Specific Terms and Phrases Used in This Application

Consider a situation in which a laptop computer is resting on the lap ofa seated user, and is tethered by a cord to a belt loop on the user'strousers. In this application, and in the Claims in particular, we havefound it useful to refer to the physical material that extends betweenthe two tethered objects, and which effects the tether connection (suchas a cord) as a “tethering element.”

The term “tethering element” is broad and does not specify anyparticular embodiment or material. It may pertain, for instance, to asystem where a cord is attached at its two ends to the tethered objects,or a system where the cord is attached some distance from its ends tothe objects; or even to a closed loop of cord that is attached attwo-spaced apart points to the tethered objects. It should also beemphasized that a tethering element may be composed of a single,unified, and undivided piece of material, such as a single length ofcord, or it may be composed of a number of pieces of material that arealigned in series, that is end to end, and connected with each other.

Consider a laptop computer tethered to a user. We have found itconvenient to speak of “connector means,” “means of connecting” or“means of securing.” Using this means terminology allows for thepossibility of specific pieces of hardware that facilitate theconnection, such as male-female couplers, but it also allows for thepossibility that the tethering element itself be modified to effect theconnection.

We also must address the question of how to speak of the tetheringsituation as a whole. In this application, and in the claims inparticular, we have found it useful to speak of the tethering element,along with the means of connecting this element to both the user and theelectronic device in question, as the “tether arrangement”. In addition,in some situations, for example, when the means of connecting the tetherto a laptop computer is built into the laptop computer as originalequipment, we may also include the laptop computer or other electronicdevice as part of the “tether arrangement.” The term “tetherarrangement” may also include other elements associated with thetethering element or the means of connection. For example, if amechanism for adjusting the effective length of the tethering element isdescribed, this mechanism will be considered part of the tetherarrangement.

This invention pertains to a broad category or class of electronicdevices that can, either currently or potentially (e.g., throughmodification or redesign), be used on the lap of a seated user. We havefound it convenient to designate this entire class or category with theterm “lap-usable.” The most common and readily identified member of thisclass or category is the laptop computer, which because of its design,portability, and small size is ideally suited for use on the lap.However, the term “lap-usable” is broad, and encompasses many otherelectronic devices, some of which are not even fully portable. Forexample, electronic keyboards or other types of data-entry terminals maybe usable on the lap even though they may be attached by wires oflimited length to a large, immobile computer or instrument panel; suchdevices are encompassed by the term “lap-usable” and are thereforesuitable for use with the invention disclosed here, although they arenot fully portable in the same way a laptop computer is. Although we usethe term “lap-usable” in the claims, it is more convenient to use aspecific example when describing preferred embodiments, and for thisreason we will discuss the laptop computer. But it should be understoodthat this focus on the laptop computer does not limit the intended scopeof the invention in any way.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a seated person using alaptop computer on the lap and employing a tether arrangement accordingto the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a perspective view of the laptop computer and tetherarrangement of FIG. 1, on an enlarged scale, showing the tetherarrangement on one side of the computer.

FIG. 2B is a view of the length-adjuster/cord-lock mechanism of thetether.

FIG. 3 is a view of the laptop computer in perspective and a fragmentaryhorizontal cross sectional view of the user, showing clips attached touser's belt loops.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the laptop computer user showing analternative embodiment of the tether arrangement.

FIG. 5 is a view of a portion of the tether arrangement of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a laptop computer showing anotheralternative embodiment of a tether arrangement, with tether arrangementon one side of computer shown.

FIGS. 7-9 are views of three alternative connection terminals which maybe built into or onto the laptop computer as part of the tetherarrangement. FIG. 9 shows a combined length adjuster and connectionterminal.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a laptop computer showing somealternative sites for connection terminals for the tether arrangement.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a laptop computer showing anothertether arrangement, with retractable tethers built into the computer.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a tether arrangement showing analternative length-adjusting mechanism, with retractable tethers. Twoare shown.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of a laptop computer showing anotheralternative tether arrangement for use with an existing computer.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing another tetherarrangement using a belt capable of encircling the waste of the user,tethers which can be provided with any of the attachments to the laptopcomputer which have previously been described and lockable lengthadjusters or retractors as also have been described. The laptop computerhas not been shown in this figure.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For this invention, no single embodiment is truly “preferred” becausethe desirability of any particular embodiment will be determined bymultiple factors, including the type of electronic device it is usedwith, the weight of the electronic device and how it balances on theuser's lap, and other technical and aesthetic considerations.Nonetheless, it is possible to show one embodiment in detail and then todiscuss alternative embodiments with reference to it.

FIG. 1 shows a user 29 of a laptop computer 22. The laptop computer istethered to the left side of the user 29 by means of a cord 24, whichhas at one end a peg 25 with two splines, which is inserted into andturned in the receiving hole 23 of the laptop computer, and thus lockedin place by a conventional locking mechanism (not shown). At the otherend of the cord 24 is a carabiner-style clip 26, which is clipped to thebelt loop 28 of the user 29. A length-adjuster/cord-lock 27 (henceforthsimply “length adjuster”) makes it possible to adjust the effectivelength of the cord 24. On the right side of the user, a cord 24 and alength adjuster 27 is also shown, thereby indicating that thearrangement on the right side of the user 29 is a symmetricalduplication of the arrangement on the left side on the user 29. FIG. 2Aprovides a more detailed view of one tether in FIG. 1. FIG. 2B is adetailed view of the length-adjuster 27 in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows the peg 25 having been inserted into and turned in thereceiving hole 23 of the laptop and thus locked in place by theconventional locking mechanism (not shown). The carabiner-style clip 26at the other end of the cord 24 is clipped to the belt loop 28 of thepants of the user 29. This Figure shows the tethering arrangements onboth sides of the computer.

In operation (FIGS. 1 and 3) the user sits and places the laptopcomputer 22 on the lap, and then attaches the cord 24 to the laptop 22on the left side by inserting the end of the cord 24 that has the peg 25with splines into the receiving hole 23, and turning the peg 25 withinthe hole so that it is locked in place by the mechanism inside thereceiving hole 23. The user 29 then attaches the cord 24 to the leftside of the user 29 by clipping the carabiner-style clip 26 to a beltloop 28 on the left side of the user 29. The user then duplicates theseoperations on the right side, so that a cord is connected to both theuser and the laptop on the right side, and a second cord is connected toboth the user and the laptop on the left side. With both cords attached,the user then adjusts the effective length of first one cord, then theother cord, to user's preference by means of the length adjusters 27.

This tether arrangement allows the laptop 22 to rest on the lap of theuser 29, secure from falling off and, due to this security, allows theuser 29 greater freedom with regard to leg placement, body posture, andposition, and freedom from worry and anxiety over the possibility ofhaving the laptop 22 fall off the lap. Thus, a general ease in operationof the laptop 22 is afforded.

Further, the presence of two cords, on opposite sides of the computer,serves to stabilize the computer in a position wherein it sits square onthe user's lap, such that the user's right and left arms are equallyextended from the user's body while using the keyboard; in other words,the two cords act to inhibit the lateral rotation (clockwise orcounter-clockwise) of the laptop 22 on the lap surface. However, if auser should wish for the laptop to rest in a position on the lap that isnot square, such that one arm is more extended than the other, this canbe accomplished by deliberately adjusting the effective lengths of thetethers unequally.

Further, the adjustments made by the user in the effective lengths ofthe cords 24, by means of the length adjusters 27, sets the maximumdistance between the laptop and the waist area of the user (it also setsthe maximum distance between the laptop and the upper body, includingthe arms). This limits the maximum extension of the arms that the usermust accomplish when working with the computer, which is an importantdeterminant of comfort and ergonomic operation.

Further, although the tethers do not support the laptop computer orcarry its weight when the laptop is being used, the tethers do allow theuser, during a break from work, to stand if necessary without having tohold the laptop in the hands. Specifically, if a user stands, thelaptop, which during work is resting atop the upper surface of thethighs, remains against the thighs even though the thighs are nowvertical, that is, perpendicular with respect to the floor. In thisposition, the laptop hangs freely, with the tethers having taken up theweight and preventing it from falling to the floor.

Thus, the invention described here serves several functions, includingpreventing the lap top from falling off the lap and onto the floor whereit might be damaged, inhibiting rotational movement of the laptop on thelap surface and thus stabilizing the laptop in a square position withrespect to the upper body and arms, and setting the maximum workingdistance between the laptop, on the one hand, and the waist area andupper body of the user, on the other hand, and thereby limiting themaximum extension of the user's arms during work.

Multiple Embodiments

The invention described here can be modified in numerous ways to meetfunctional, technical, and aesthetic considerations relevant to theparticular device being used. Some of the possible modifications aredescribed here. As noted previously, variants are discussed with respectto a laptop computer, but all comments may apply to the use of theinvention with other lap-usable electronic devices. These variants arediscussed under the following twelve headings:

-   -   Means of Connecting Tether to Laptop    -   Means of Connecting Tether to User    -   Means of Adjusting Length of Tether    -   Behind-the-Back Tethers    -   Flexible and Inflexible Tethers    -   Materials and Styles    -   Number of Tethers    -   Segmentation of Tethers    -   Tether Configuration    -   Consolidation of Functions    -   Practical Applications of the Invention    -   Possibility of Numerous Variants

Means of Connecting Tether to Laptop. Numerous means of connecting thetethers to the laptop computer are possible. Some of these means willmake use of two parts that can mate with each other, one such partattached to the tether and the other such part attached to the laptop,such that the mating of these two parts effectively connects the tetherto the laptop. This pair of mating pieces may be male and female inconstruction, such as the peg-and-splines arrangement describedpreviously and illustrated in FIG. 2B and elsewhere. Alternatively, thetwo mating pieces may consist of, as one mating piece, a clip that ispermanently attached to the tether, and as the other mating piece, apost, ring, eyelet, or similar structure mounted to the laptop, with theclip capable of attaching to the post, hook, eyelet or similar device.One embodiment of this type is shown in FIG. 6, which shows a recess 33in the housing of the laptop, with a post 32 extending across therecess, with clip 26 capable of attaching to the post 32. Two of manyother types of pieces that are capable of mating with such a clip areshown in FIGS. 7 and 8; these pieces could be mounted onto a laptopcomputer, and the clip that is attached to the tether could be matedwith them. FIG. 7 shows a hinge arrangement, which could be mounted tothe laptop computer, with the distal portion 40 of the piece, whichcontains the hole, swung flush with the computer, perhaps into a shallowrecess, when the tether arrangement is not engaged; when establishingthe tether connection is desired, the distal portion 40 could be swungaway from the computer, allowing a clip to attach to it. FIG. 8 shows ascrew with eyelet 41, which could be screwed into a threaded hole in thehousing of a laptop computer; the eyelet 41, which would protrude fromthe side of the laptop, would provide a convenient element for a clip toattach to. Many other conventional means of attachment between thetether and the laptop are possible, and the invention described in thisapplication is not limited to those few conventional means that arediscussed explicitly or illustrated.

The invention described here could be sold as original equipment that isintegrated with the electronic device, such as would be found with apermanent connection terminal (for the tether) built into or onto thedevice; such connection terminals could be recessed in the laptop,protruding from the laptop, or flush with the laptop. Alternatively, theinvention could be sold as a stand-alone invention that could be added,or “retrofitted”, to an electronic device that was not previouslymodified or designed to be used with a tether system. This retrofitcould be permanent, so that once attached it effectively becomes part ofthe laptop and can not be removed easily, or it could be a temporary ordetachably retrofit, which could easily be removed so that the laptop isnot permanently altered by the use of the retrofit.

A few of many possible examples of retrofits include connectionterminals that can be attached, or added on, to the laptop by C-typeclamps, or by epoxy, or by being strapped on to the laptop with bandsmade of plastic, nylon, rubber, or other materials. These add-onconnection terminals could be removable or could be constructed so thatonce added on would become a permanent part of the laptop. Otherarrangements could make use of cords or other materials that encircle,loop around, or slip over part of the laptop, such as a loop of cord, towhich tethers are permanently attached or temporarily mated; an exampleof this type of retrofit device is shown in FIG. 13. FIG. 13 shows acontinuous loop of cord 35, which can be slid over the screen so that itcomes to encircle the hinged area that lies between the base of thescreen and the rear of the laptop body. Once positioned so that itencircles the hinge area, the loop could be tightened, like a noose, bymeans of a length adjuster 27 located on the loop 35. With the looptightened snugly around the hinge area, the tether connection with theuser is established by connecting the carabiner-style clips 26 to thebelt loops of the user. Once the carabiner clips 26 are attached to thebelt loops, the tethers are adjusted by means of the length adjusters27.

Another example, not shown, of a retrofit method that makes use of anelement that encircles a portion of the laptop would make use of asleeve or “glove” made of fabric or other suitable material; this sleeveor glove could be slid over the base is of the laptop, and could bedesigned with an opening so as not obstruct the keyboard and otherbuttons on the laptop surface; tethers could be attached to connectionpoints on the sleeve or glove, or the ends of the tethers could bepermanently attached to the sleeve or glove. Another type of retrofitvariation could connect the tether or tethers to the laptop by means ofa length of cloth or stretchable fabric or other suitable material,which could be wrapped or form-fit around the rear corners of the laptopbase; or such material could be wrapped around all four corners, orhooked over corners.

These are just a few of many possible variations in which a suitablecord, fabric, or other material surrounds all or part of the laptop,with extension cords or straps extending from this material andfunctioning as tethers. This basic patter could be modified to functionwith an around-the-back tether arrangement (see below). Many otherconventional means of retrofit attachment between the tether and thelaptop are possible, and the invention described in this application isnot limited to those few conventional means that are discussedexplicitly or illustrated.

Means of Connecting Tether to User. Various means can be used to connectone end of the tether to the user or the user's clothing. These includeclips such as the carabiner-style clips described previously andillustrated in FIG. 2A and elsewhere, which may clip onto a belt loop,belt, or other piece of clothing; other kinds of clips designed toattach to clothing; devices designed to attach by squeezing, such asclips designed to attach to a waist band of a pair of trousers or askirt; pieces of fabric attached to the end of the tether that fold backon themselves and connect to themselves by means of Velcro or snaps andthus form a loop that can be used to attach to a belt loop or belt.Clothing could also be modified in ways that permit novel means ofattachment; for example, a pair of slacks or skirt might be modifiedwith reinforced loops added above the pockets, to which the tether couldbe connected by means of a carabiner-style clip; other modifications ofclothing are also possible, such as a hole in the clothing through whicha button or other elements attached to the tether could be passed. Manyother conventional means of attachment between the tether and the userare possible, and the invention described in this application is notlimited to those few conventional means that are discussed explicitly orillustrated.

Means of Adjusting Length of Tether. Various means are available toadjust the effect length of the tethers. These include means that takeup the excess length of a flexible tether in the form of a loop, andmeans that retain the excess length within a confined space, such as bycausing the length of excess tether to be wound upon a reel, such as areel having a retractor spring configured so that the reel tends toconstantly wind the cord around the reel. A loop-forming length-adjusteris shown in FIG. 2B. A reel-type, or retractor-type, length adjuster isshown in FIG. 12. (FIG. 12 also shows carabiner style clips on both endsof the adjustable tether, one clip for attachment to a belt-loop orbelt, the other clip for attachment to a post mounted on the laptop.)

Retractable length adjusters could also be built into the laptop itself,as a permanent and original part of the laptop, or could be built intoother parts. Some of these length-adjusting mechanisms, such as the reelmechanism just mentioned, also would provide a convenient means to storethe tethers while the tether arrangement is not being used; for example,the tethers could be wound onto the reel and stored in the woundposition. A free-standing retractor mechanisms could also be constructedso that the mechanism was combined with a mating piece, which matingpiece could mate with a connection terminal built into the laptop; thisretractor mechanism could be mated with the laptop, then the tethercould be extended, and either attached to the user's clothing or passedbehind the back of the user, thus forming an around-the-back tether (seebelow). A retractor mechanism could also be associated with a C-clamp orother means that would allow the retractor to be attached to a laptopthat was not equipped with a connection terminal; the tether of such aretractor mechanism could be extended and attached to the user's beltloop or another piece of the user's clothing. Many other variants ofretractor mechanisms are possible, which could be either free-standingor built into the laptop, or which could be added onto the laptop eitherpermanently or detachably.

Many other conventional means of adjusting the effective length of thetether are possible, and the invention described in this application isnot limited to those few conventional means that are discussedexplicitly or illustrated.

Behind-the-Back Tethers. One means of securing a tether or tethers tothe user makes use of arrangements in which a tether or other materialis passed around the back of the user. Many embodiments of this basicpattern are possible.

One such embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5. These figures showa strap 30 that has an end ring 31 on each end. In this embodiment, thecarabiner-style clips 26 are not clipped to the belt loops 28, as inFIGS. 1 and 3. Instead, the strap 30 is positioned around the back ofthe waist of the user 29, with the end rings 31 on the left side of theuser 29 attached to the carabiner-style clips 26 on the left side of theuser 29, and the end ring 31 on the right side of the user 29 attachedto the carabiner-style clip 26 on the right side of the user. Thisarrangement forms an around-the-back retaining system, which secures thelaptop to the user without the need for a direct mechanical connectionbetween one end of the tether and the user or the user's clothing. Suchan arrangement may be suitable for various users, including thosewearing dresses or other garments that do not have either belt loops,belts, or waist bands. The behind-the-back strap could be adjustable inlength, or it could be non-adjustable, relying on the adjustments madein the tether cords to set the total length of the tether-plus-straparrangement. A length-adjuster is shown on the strap in FIG. 5. Manyother conventional means of attaching the behind-the-back strap to thetethers, and many other conventional means of adjusting the effectivelength of the strap, are possible. For example, the strap could beattached to the tether not by clip and ring, but by male-female matingpieces. Further, material other than a strap could be used for example,a strip of plastic could serve the same function-and for this reason wewill, in the Claims, speak of a “spanning member” instead of a strap.Therefore, the invention described in this application is not limited tothose few conventional means that are discussed explicitly orillustrated.

Many other behind-the-back variants are possible. One such variant usestwo tethers, each with two ends, with one end of each tether attachingto the electronic device, and the other end of each tether having meanscapable of mating with each other, thus forming a continuous loop thatpasses around the body of the user. For example, the free ends (i.e.,the end not attached to the laptop) of the two tethers could havemale-female mating pieces attached, which pieces are capable of matingwith each other behind the user's back. In another embodiment, thecaribiner clips shown in FIG. 3 could clip directly onto each other,behind the user's back, thus forming a continuous loop behind the usersback and securing the laptop to the user.

Another behind-the-back variant makes use of a single long tether havingtwo ends, with each end connected to a point on the laptop, and theintervening length of tether passed behind the back of the user. Avariant of this embodiment would include a retractor mechanism builtinto or added onto one side of the laptop, with a mating piece on thefree end of the tether; this free end would be passed behind the user'sback and mated with a compatible mating terminal on the other side ofthe laptop, thus forming a continuous loop around the user's back andsecuring the laptop to the user by means of this loop; further, theretractor mechanism could be associated with a cord-lock mechanism, thatwould maintain the tether at the desired length.

Another behind-the-back variant uses a tether having two ends, which isconnected at one end to the electronic device and at the other end tothe tether itself, thus forming a closed loop; this closed loop canencircle part of the user's body, effectively forming a lasso around thebody, and securing the laptop to the user by means of this lasso. As analternative to going around the waist, tethers might be passed aroundthe upper body, such as around the upper back, shoulders or neck. Manyother conventional means for securing a laptop to a user by means of atether passed behind the back are possible, and the invention describedin this application is not limited to those few conventional means thatare discussed explicitly or illustrated.

Flexible and Inflexible Tethers. Although most tethers have beendescribed in this application as cords, various tethering means can beused to tether the laptop to the user. These include fully flexibletethers such as nylon cords or straps, semi-flexible tethers such aselongated thin plastic strips made of bendable plastic, and rigidtethers such as rods made of hard plastic or metal. Flexible tetherscomposed of intrinsically inflexible materials, for example a chain madeof metal links, may also be used. Means of adjusting the effectivelength of inflexible or semi-flexible tethers are possible. For example,for a rigid tether, the effective length can be adjusted by atelescoping arrangement. Many other conventional means of constructingtethers are possible, and the invention described in this application isnot limited to those few conventional means that are discussedexplicitly or illustrated.

Materials and Styles. The components of this invention can be made ofany suitably strong and durable material, natural or synthetic orcomposite, including but not limited to nylon, leather, cloth, rubber,plastic, metal. The styles and mechanisms portrayed above are alsovariable, and the illustrations in the text and the Figures are notintended to limit the embodiments.

Number of Tethers. Depending on the electronic device being tethered,and the aesthetic and functional objectives of the manufacturer of thetether system, the number of tethers can range from one to many. Forexample, a small electronic device such as a personal organizer might betethered with a single tether. In contrast, a large electronic devicemight require more than two tethers. In addition, tethers could split orconsolidate along their path between the electronic device and user.Thus, for example, two tethers attached at two different points on anelectronic device could, en route to the user, come together and mergeinto a single tether, in a “Y” configuration, and then attach to theuser at a single point; or this single consolidated tether might, forinstance, split and re-form two tethers. These are just two of manypossible examples by which tethers could split or consolidate duringtheir paths between electronic device and user.

Segmentation of Tethers. Tethers may be composed of a single piece ofmaterial, or may be made in such a way that they are composed ofmultiple contiguous segments of material that are attached to eachother. In accordance with the possibility of tethers being composed ofmultiple segments, for the purpose of this application the term “tether”shall be defined such that it includes not only elongated members madeof a single piece of material, but also elongated attachment membersthat are composed of a plurality of members that are designed to befitted together to form a single functional elongated attachment member.

Tether Configuration. Tethers could be attached to any surface of theelectronic device, including the front surface (i.e., the surfaceperpendicular to the plane of the lap and thus facing the abdomen of theuser), the bottom surface (i.e, the surface in contact with the user'slap), the side surfaces or the top surface (i.e., keyboard surface) ofthe device, or even the back surface, with the tethers passing aroundthe back corners of the laptop and extending towards the user. Further,tethers could emanate from opposite sides of the machine (e.g., onetether coming from each side of the electronic device), fromspaced-apart points on the same surface (e.g., both coming from thefront of the device, one from the left side and the other from the rightside of this surface), symmetrically or asymmetrically (e.g., one tetherfrom the right side, the other tether from the left front of theelectronic device). Several of these variants are suggested in FIG. 10,which shows a number of alternative locations for receiving holes.

Consolidation of Functions. Many functional aspects of the invention canbe consolidated into unified mechanical elements. For example, a lengthadjuster that acts to retract a tether cord can be built into or ontothe electronic device. FIG. 11 is a view of a laptop computer 22furnished with a retractable cord 34 with one carabiner-style clip 26 onthe free end. The retractable mechanism, which in this case may beconsidered a connection terminal, is located within the laptop housing.When in the retracted position the clip 25 rests in the cavity 33 in thecomputer 22. The retractable mechanism would allow for the cord 34 to belocked at any given length (cord lock for retractable mechanism isconventional and, hence, not shown in FIG. 11). Arrangements aresymmetrical on the right and left sides of the user 29.

Alternatively, the length adjuster may be consolidated with a connectionterminal built into or onto the device, to which the tether could beattached. For example, FIG. 9 shows a naked (i.e, unmodified, with nomating piece attached) tether passes through a length-adjuster/cord-lock42 attached to the housing of the electronic device; such an arrangementwould allow the length-adjuster/cord-lock itself to function as aconnection terminal for an unmodified tether end. Alternatively, thelength-adjuster/cord-lock could be combined with a carabiner that clipsonto a user's belt. Alternatively, the length adjuster could be builtinto a mating piece on the end of the tether that attaches to aconnection terminal on the device. Such combinations might be especiallyconvenient if they included means to sequester the excess tether, suchas a length adjuster that winds a flexible tether around a reel. Manyother ways of consolidating functions of this invention are possible,and the possibilities for consolidation should not be limited to thosefew means that are discussed explicitly or illustrated.

Practical Applications of the Invention. As noted, this invention can beapplied not only to laptop computers but towards all electronic devicesthat are “lap-usable” that is, to all devices which are currently orpotentially capable of being used on the lap of a seated user. A few ofmany possible examples include keyboards and other data entry devicesthat are either wireless or attached by wires to a computer system,electronic drawing pads, control units for gaming or entertainmentcenters, small e-mail or personal organizer units, communication systemssuch as organizer-cell phone units, industrial control systems andvehicular control or navigation systems suitable for use on the lap.Some of these lap-usable electronic devices may not currently exist, andmay in fact be brought into existence in response to the possibility ofa stable lap working environment created by the invention discussed inthis application.

Tethers can also be connected to user by means of a closable andadjustable encircling waist belt to which tethers are secured, such asin FIG. 14 (detailed below), in which tethers are illustrated as securedto left and right side of the belt. The adjuster and closure mechanismof the belt are conventional and can take many forms. Tethers may bepermanently attached to the belt or can be detachable from it. Tethersmay be retractable, that is, associated with a retraction mechanism suchas a spring-loaded spool; this retraction mechanism may be associatedwith, or even mechanically combined with, the locale length-adjustingmechanism of the tether. The belt itself may also be associated with aretraction mechanism capable of storing the belt in a retracted state;this belt-retraction mechanism may be combined with, or built adjacentto, other features, such as the closure mechanism, thebelt-length-adjusting mechanism, and tether retractors. Features may becombined structurally in various combinations; for example, beltretractor, belt length adjuster, belt closure mechanism and one or bothtether retractors could all be integrated into a single unit.

FIG. 14 shows belt 101, belt length adjuster 102 combined with femaleend 103 of belt closure mechanism, excess belt piece 104 that remainsafter adjusting belt length, belt retractor 105, flexible tethers 106,tether-retractors with built-in length-adjuster/cord locks 107, and maleend 108 of belt closure mechanism. Means of connecting extended ends oftethers to laptop computer case are not illustrated in this figure.

In operation, the user extends the belt by holding one end of the beltwith each hand. If a belt retraction mechanism is present, the useroperates this retractor so that the belt extends from its retractedstate. The user then encircles waist with belt, which may pass throughor attach to belt loops or other clothing structure, or may pass aroundthe waist irrespective of such loops or structures. The user then closesthe belt with the belt-closure mechanism and adjusts length and therebytightness of the belt. If the user desires, the portion of the belt thatpasses across the back of the user can be pushed down over the tops ofthe buttocks so that belt is at waist level in front and across thebuttock in the rear of the user. Both tethers are extended to the laptopcomputer and attached to case of said computer by conventional meanssuch as by clips, hooks, Velcro, male-female couplers, etc. The lengthsof the tethers are adjusted us user preference.

The belt exerts an inward-directed pressure on the waist of the user andis held in a stable position against the user's body by a combination ofcompressive and frictional forces. The belt may be equipped with africtional surface to increase friction along the zone of contact withthe user's waist. The compressive pressure exerted by the belt on theuser's waist can be varied by tightening or loosening the belt. Thisencircling belt, by providing a stabile structural element along theuser's body, allows the flexible tethers to be securely connected to theuser without the need to attach free-ended to belt loops or otherstructures, such as by carabineer or other means. Because some users donot wear pants with belt loops, because some users wear pants with beltloops that are fragile, and because some users do not wish to attachtethers directly to belt loops or other clothing structures, thisencircling belt variant provides in some settings an improved means ofconnecting tethers to the user.

Possibility of Numerous Variants. With this invention, numerousvariations on the embodiments described are possible: variations insize, shape, color, and material composition of components, and ofdesign and mechanisms of components, and variations in the arranging andcombining of components. The choice of preferred embodiment would bedependent upon the particular electronic device being tethered: itsshape, weight, how it balances (i.e., the internal distribution of thisweight within its own housing); considerations of aesthetics and style,and individual preferences of the manufacturers. Thus, the scope of theinvention should not be limited to the specific embodiments and variantsdiscussed or illustrated in this application, as other variants arepossible.

1. A laptop computer assembly, comprising: a belt adapted to encircle awaist of a user and provided with a fastener for securing ends of thebelt together; a pair of tethers connected to said belt and extendingaway therefrom; and a laptop computer engaged by said tethers forretaining the laptop computer on the lap of the user.
 2. The assemblydefined in claim 1, further comprising a length adjuster on said beltfor varying a waist size accommodated by the belt.
 3. The assemblydefined in claim 2, further comprising a length adjuster on at least oneof said tethers for varying an effective distance of said laptopcomputer from said belt.
 4. The assembly defined in claim 3 wherein saidlength adjuster on said one of said tethers is disposed at a location atwhich said one of said tethers adjoins said belt.
 5. The assemblydefined in claim 3 wherein said length adjuster on said one of saidtethers is located between ends of said tether connected to said beltand said laptop computer.
 6. The assembly defined in claim 3 whereinsaid length adjuster on said one of said tethers is disposed at saidlaptop computer.
 7. The assembly defined in claim 3 wherein each of saidtethers is provided with a respective length adjuster.
 8. The assemblydefined in claim 7 wherein each of the length adjusters of said tethersis lockable independently.
 9. A laptop computer assembly comprising: alaptop computer having a case with a bottom adapted to rest upon a lapof a user, a pair of sides, and a computer structure within said case; abelt that can encircle a user of said laptop computer at the waist, saidbelt having a means of securely closing belt to form a closed continuouscircuit around the waist, said belt also being associated with a meansto adjust the length of said belt; a pair of flexible tethers, eachhaving two ends, each tether attached at one of its ends to a point onthe belt, with the other end of each tether being engageable to anopposite side of said laptop computer case; a pair of length adjusters,each length adjuster associated with one of said flexible tethers, eachlength adjuster being locale, enabling the user to securely determinethe effective length of each tether; whereby the user can set theeffective lengths of the two tethers to be equal or unequal to oneanother, thereby allowing for the computer to be positioned on the lapin either a square or off-square position.
 10. The laptop computerassembly defined in claim 9 wherein said flexible tethers are associatedwith retraction mechanisms, allowing said tethers to be stored in aretracted position.
 11. The laptop computer assembly defined in claim 9wherein said belt is associated with a retracting mechanism capable ofretracting said belt and storing said belt in a retracted state.
 12. Abelt arrangement for securing and positioning a laptop computer to auser of said laptop computer, comprising: a belt that can encircle auser of a laptop computer at the waist, said belt having a means ofsecurely closing belt so as to form a continuous circuit around thewaist, and being associated with a means to adjust the length of saidbelt; a pair of flexible tethers, each having two ends, each tetherattached at one of its ends to a point on the belt, with the other endof each tether being engage able to an opposite side fo said laptopcomputer case; a pair of length adjusters, each length adjusterassociated with one of said flexible tethers, each length adjuster beinglocale, enabling the user to securely determine the effective length ofeach tether; whereby the user can set the effective lengths of the twotethers to be equal or unequal to one another, thereby allowing for acomputer to positioned on the lap in either a square or off-squareposition.
 13. The belt arrangement defined in claim 12 wherein each ofsaid flexible tethers is associated with a retraction mechanism,allowing said tethers to be stored in a retracted position.
 14. The beltarrangement defined in claim 12 wherein the belt is associated with aretracting mechanism capable of retracting said belt and storing saidbelt in a retracted state.